Monday 4 October 2010

Prism - Sidewalk Review (Issue 168)

PRISM: James Harris/Redlight Skateboarding

What is it?-If you have a facebook account or pay attention to what's happening on the internet then you should already be well up on this. Prism is the first (I think) full-length production from up and coming Bristolian three-chip wielder James Harris. And it's a banger!

Who's on it?-Mike Cork, Joe Mercer, Josh Arnott, Phil Parker, Jason Lewer, Ryan Evans, Matt the Whale, Nicky Howells and others.

Highlights- James has done a good job here, not only going out filming with most of the known heads in Bristol, but also making time for more of the younger end of the scene, some of whom will probably be completely new to you. For the most part, Prism is largely montage based with only a couple of full sections, giving literally everyone chance to get their tricks in.

Jason Lewer is as rad to watch as ever, taking a new approach to the skate-stopped ledges at Little Lloyds as well as putting together some seriously quick foot ledge lines.

Nicky Howells has a brief section filled with the Swansea bred precision that he is known for, teaching the UK Ramp Hire block a lesson and a half and giving some of the unseen bangers from the recent Venture tour an airing.

The other half of 'The Heartbreakers', Dave Snaddon, keeps things tech in Kent, Owen Hopkins hardflip reverts a sick hubba gap, and Fifty-Fifty co-owner Justin Sydenham finds time to fit in a dope line in down The Deaner.

Josh Arnott has some pop in him, Joe Mercer is a young lad with some good fakie skills on lock who seems hyped on leaping down stuff that's easily twice his height, and Ryan 'Skelly' Evans makes the trip from Exeter to Bristol with Barney Page in tow, intent on taking to the city's many ledges and doing some light footed, flip in flip out based damage.

I'm not too sure what Matt the Whale's actual last name is, but I can guarantee it's nowhere near as good as his comedy one. Anyway, Matt has the last section on Prism, stepping to man sized rails, cruising his way around the UK Ramp Hire warehouse and ollieing over large gaps along the way. Good stuff!
In addition to the main Prism feature, James has complied as much footage as possible from the sadly long gone warehouse and created a second full length video featuring more from Phil Parker, Dan Wileman, Barber, Nicky, Snaddon, Tom Gibbs, Habgood and pretty much everyone else in Bristol.

Overall- Strong filming, strong editing, a wide variety of heads and a soundtrack made up of primarily unsigned or unknown music from the West Country: how could you go wrong? Between the main Prism feature and the comprehensive Warehouse video there's enough Bristol footage to keep you tied over for a few days here, regardless of whether you're after fresh talent or recognisable faces. UK Scene video fans and Bristol locals get on the case and bag one up now! Scene productions like this deserve your support - show some love and hook James up with eight quid now via www.redlightsb.tk